Ria Hall

With the release of her debut self-titled EP, Ria Hall became a blazing female force on the NZ music scene. Winning multiple awards and critical acclaim, her sound fused furious hip-hop beats and richly layeres vocals in English and Te Reo Māori, creating an epic soundscape that embraced and challenged multiple genres.

Ria creates music with an urban yet distinctive Māori flair. October 2017 saw the release of her highly anticipated concept album entitled ‘Rules Of Engagement‘, a work heavily based on the New Zealand Wars of the 18060s, and in particular the Battle of Gate Pā which took place in her tribal home land of Tauranga Moana. In its first week of release, it debuted on The Official New Zealand Music Charts at #1. Featuring appearances and production from Tiki Taane, Kings, Laughton Kora, Mara TK and Electric Wire Hustle, the album showcases Ria’s incredible talent as a vocalist and lyricist.

Ria is a powerful live performer, whose sought after live set has seen her play to audiences of thousands at a number of festivals across Australasia. The live set is best described as an experience that showcases her enormous vocal range and ability to effortlessly transition between styles. Always in demand, she has collaborated extensively with a diverse range of artists and producers across a wide genres and backgrounds.

Ria Hall is a fearless female artist with resolute ideas for the future of New Zealand music:

“There is so much richness that Māori music can take to the world. We haven’t realised our own potential – and that’s exciting.”